Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A bill allowing wine and liquor sales in Knoxville’s new Covenant Health Park stadium, home to the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox Soccer Club, is heading to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
The measure ( HB0823/SB0320) authorizes a sports facility to be eligible to obtain a liquor-by-the-drink license by lowering the county population threshold from 500,000 to 350,000.
This change will allow Covenant Health Park, along with a new stadium being built for the Chattanooga Lookouts, to sell wine and liquor.
According to state Rep. Justin Lafferty (R-Knoxville), the stadiums will still need to obtain a permit from their jurisdiction’s beer board.
“House Bill 823 ensures Tennessee’s newest stadiums will be able to offer wine and spirits, bringing them in line with the state’s other major sport venues,” Lafferty said. “This bill enhances the fan experience while also creating opportunities for more quality jobs at the stadiums.”
The Knoxville Smokies are set to play their first game inside Covenant Health Park on April 15 after spending 20 years in Kodak as the Tennessee Smokies. The stadium will also host One Knoxville SC games, concerts and festivals.
